Presenting a series of Sunday's showcasing the stories from Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu.

These are reproduced with permission from Soul Publishing and Rojina Duval.

These stories feature prominent farmers, fishermen, producers and chefs – from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis – along with their favourite recipes and tips. Enjoy!

Grape-growing in the Hamilton family dates back to 1837 when Richard Hamilton (1792-1852) took out Land Order 449 in the colony of South Australia.

“My family were pioneer winemakers in South Australia back in the late 1830s, decades before Australia had even become a federated nation,” says Dr Richard Hamilton, director and proprietor of both Leconfield Wines and Richard Hamilton Wines.

“My father, Burton Hamilton, was a born viticulturist who spent almost 90 years cultivating vines and producing grapes for his family company. He began establishing vineyards in McLaren Vale in 1947 and was a great believer in the quality of the region. It’s the legacy of my father’s 70 vintages and hand-tended old vineyards that sees the company in the strong position it’s in today.”

“I established Richard Hamilton Wines in 1972, and I honed my skills as a winemaker under the guidance of my father and uncle,” says Richard. 

“My uncle, Sydney Hamilton, founded Leconfield Coonawarra in 1974 at the age of 76 after many decades as a winemaker for Hamilton Ewell's. When it was time for him to retire after 60 vintages, I purchased Leconfield to ensure it remained in the Hamilton family.”

As a fifth-generation direct descendant of the original Richard Hamilton, Richard wants to ensure the Hamilton family remains a vibrant force in the Australian wine industry.

“My father was passionate about the vineyards in McLaren Vale which he had hand-tended from 1947 onwards – so passionate, in fact, that he ‘encouraged’ me to purchase my first vineyard in McLaren Vale by forcing up my hand at auction on the location of the Farm Block and our cellar door!“

“Visitors can also now enjoy one of our seated Wine Flights at the cellar door. Choose from a hosted Wine Flights or create your own by selecting five wines for $10 per person.

CELLAR DOOR

“My wife Jette Hamilton was pivotal in creating a stunning cellar door, nestled in our Farm Block vineyards, where our guests can enjoy the views reaching to the Willunga Hills.

“Jette’s Danish heritage is strongly reflected in a number of elements of the cellar door, most obviously the gabled roof modelled on a fishery storehouse in Skagen. Other Danish elements include the use of lighter timber, oak and pine, as well as the large windows that allow for plenty of natural light, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere.

“The Leconfield & Richard Hamilton McLaren Vale cellar door offers visitors the opportunity to taste three of Australia’s leading wine labels – Leconfield Coonawarra, Richard Hamilton Wines and Syn Sparkling Wines. Regional platters made up of locally produced cured meats, bread, paté, relishes and cheeses are served daily. Relax on the verandah with sweeping views of the Willunga Hills and vineyards or cosy up inside when the fire is lit in winter.”

PAIRING

“Richard Hamilton ‘Centurion’ Old Vine Shiraz. The vineyard, planted in 1892, is amongst the oldest in the region – indeed in Australia. The gnarly shiraz vines are grown in grey loams over old river clay with underlying limestone, and the combination of site and old vines produces an elegant yet powerful style of wine. The climate is moderate – tempered by the cool sea breezes from Gulf St Vincent – and long tannins give finesse, elegance and style to this quality wine. This is a wine designed to mature and develop to give many years of drinking pleasure – ten years at least.

“Wine of this quality and style will match a wide range of flavours, but a guaranteed success would be to pair it with carpaccio of beef or an eye filet cooked rare and juicy.” 

ADDRESS: 439 Main Road, McLaren Vale

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